Lahat missile passes complex firing trial

06 February, 2014

SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com

BY: Arie Egozi

Tel Aviv

Israel Aerospace Industries has completed a series of helicopter-based firing demonstrations with its Lahat missile.

Comprising eight launches carried out at ranges of up to 5.4nm (10km), and altitudes between 300ft (91m) and 6,000ft, the activity involved both moving and hovering aircraft. The firings were performed against fixed and moving targets.

IAI says operational firing scenarios were employed, for example during a direct hit scored from 5.4nm that used the helicopter's observation capability and laser designation from ground personnel.

A lightweight weapon available with a variety of warheads, Lahat can be carried by the majority of helicopters, and can also be launched from the ground or naval vessels.

The Lahat system consists of an IAI-developed observation payload with laser designation capabilities, a weapon control system and two four-pack missile launchers.